Target launcher apparatus for shooting exercise with fire arms

ABSTRACT

A target or rabbit launcher apparatus for firearm shooting exercise comprises a motor (2), a reducer (3) which actuates by a pendular movement of about 180° an arming rod (4, 5) integral with one or a plurality of arming plates (6, 7). Each arming plate (6, 7) acts, through an arming trigger (8, 9), on an ejection arm (18, 19) by winding up an ejection spring; a locking stud controlled by an electromagnetic unit releases or locks each ejection arm (18, 19) in order to control the shooting; each ejection arm (18, 19) has its shooting rotation axis coaxial with the rotation axis of the arming rod (4, 5) integral with the reducer; the invention applies particularly to the launching of targets of the &#34;rabbit&#34; type.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention has for its object a target launching apparatus forpracticing firing firearms.

The invention is applicable particularly to launching targets of the"rabbit" type. These targets are not to be launched into the air to besighted and hit in flight, but are adapted to roll on the ground to behit in their path along the ground.

To this end, these "rabbit" targets or clay pigeons are perfectlycircular and comprise a wide periphery serving as a rim which permitsthem to roll.

The launching apparatus imparts to the targets a rapid rotative movementabout their axis. The launching apparatus launches the targets or"rabbits" by making them roll.

BACKGROUND OF THE THE SUMMARY

At present, right and left firing are more and more popular. The objectis to hit two targets with two successive rounds.

For right and left with targets of the "rabbit" type, this is possibleonly with two launching devices disposed side by side. Launching withthe same apparatus two successive targets is not sufficiently rapid, thetime delay between the two launches is too long. The use of twolaunching apparatuses has its drawbacks. The cost is high, manipulation,transportation and storage are multiplied by two, the space occupied onthe firing range is also too great.

The invention seeks to overcome all these problems.

The launching apparatus according to the invention can launch right andleft with a single launcher, and the same and single motor, eachlaunching arm being independent.

The state of the art can be defined by the following patents:

FR-A-2,587,473: the apparatus is remarkable, particularly in that itcomprises a flexible vertical wheel mounted rotatably above a launchingramp in which the targets are moved vertically one by one. Upstream ofthe wheel are mounted two retention members which retain the targets inthe ramp. These retention members have controlled action and have fortheir object, on the one hand, to retain the targets in the rampupstream of the wheel and on the other hand to press the targets one byone toward the wheel. The wheel grasps the targets one by one andlaunches them along the ground by imparting to them a rapid rotationmovement about their axis.

The apparatus according to the invention has been principally adapted tolaunch targets of the "rabbit" type.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,246,642: in a mechanism driven by the target, incombination with a target in the form of a disc, said mechanism ischaracterized by launching the target straight in a predeterminedhorizontal direction, so as to roll continuously along the environs ofthe target, said launching being characterized by impressing a movementof translation on the target and is characterized by said translatorymovement so as to communicate rotation to the target about its axis witha peripheral velocity at least equal substantially to its speed oftranslation, said launch being characterized by the rolling of thetarget along the ramp whilst the target bears on said ramp of curvedform, receiving and guiding freely the target and having a lower portionconforming to the periphery of the target, the depth of the curve isadjustable for reception of discs of different sizes.

None of these launchers discloses an apparatus permitting launching leftand right.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The launching apparatus according to the invention is of the type usinga motor, a motor reducer, a loading arm, an ejection spring, an ejectionarm, it is characterized by the fact that it comprises a motor, areducer which drives, by pendulous movement, a loading rod secured toone or several loading plates, each loading plate acting, by a loadingtrigger, on an ejection arm by compressing the ejection spring, ablockage lug controlled by an electromagnetic housing frees or blockseach ejection arm so as to control commencement of firing. Each ejectionarm has its axis of rotation coaxial to the axis of rotation of theloading rod secured to the reducer.

According to a particular embodiment, the motor is disposed verticallywith, in prolongation thereof, the reducer, perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of said reducer, a loading arm emerges from each sideof said reducer secured each to a loading plate, driven by the samependulous movement of about 180°.

Each loading plate is provided with a loading trigger, mounted on apivotal axis provided with a return spring and an abutment driven by thependulous movement of the arm and rod, the end of the trigger will pressthe loading finger of the ejection arm to cause it to turn compressingthe ejection spring until said finger passes the axis of rotation of theejection arm, a blockage lug blocks the ejection arm in this loadedposition.

One of the two loading rods is provided with an eccentric with arod/crank device which actuates the supply of targets from two chutes inthe ejection arm. Each ejection arm has the shape of a U-shaped profilewhose ends of the legs of the U are provided with a return which permitsthe targets not to fall and to roll in the ejection arm to the ejectionat the level of the end opposite to the axis of articulation.

The supply chute for the targets opens at the level of the end of theejection arm which is opposite the pivotal axis of said ejection arm.This supply chute is inclined, its lower end slopes such that thetargets can leave said supply chute and come into place in the profilewhich serves as a rolling path for the ejection arm.

According to a particular embodiment, the launcher according to theinvention is provided with two loading rods disposed on opposite sidesof the reducer, each rod, by its loading plate and its pendulousmovement, ensuring the loading of an ejection arm, each ejection armbeing blocked, once loaded, by a blockage lug. The commencement offiring is thus independent for each ejection arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are given by way of examples and are notlimiting. They show a preferred embodiment according to the invention.They permit easy comprehension of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the target launching apparatus for practicingfiring firearms.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the launching apparatus showing the ejectionarm and the supply chute.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the launching apparatus showing the ejectionarm and the ejection spring as well as its anchoring points.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing the motor, the reducer, the loading rod,the loading plate, the loading trigger, the abutment of the loadingtrigger, and the loading finger of the ejection arm.

FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 show schematically the sequence of operation ofthe loading plate, of the loading trigger of the ejection arm, of itsabutment and of the loading finger which itself is secured to saidejection arm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The launching apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is comprised by the followingelements. In a frame 1, are disposed vertically a motor 2 in which andin the prolongation of which is disposed a reducer 3.

Emerging from the reducer 3 are loading rods 4 and 5 that are drivenwith a pendulous movement. These rods are secured at their end to aloading plate 6, 7. The loading plate is itself provided with a loadingtrigger 8, 9. The loading trigger 8, 9 is provided with a return spring10 shown in FIG. 5.

On the loading plate 6, 7, an abutment 12, 13 permits the loadingtrigger 8, 9 to come into abutment. The loading trigger 8, 9 is movablymounted about an axis 31.

The loading trigger 8, 9 in its pendulous movement, driven by theloading rods 4, 5, can come into contact with a loading finger 30disposed facing and belonging to the ejection arm 18, 19 (see FIGS. 4 to9).

The ejection arms 18, 19 are supplied with targets by supply chutes 20,21, said supply chutes are in plan inclined and receive the targets or"rabbits" 22 which are distributed in a known manner by a drum 23. Thedrum 23 is disposed above the chassis 1 of the target launchingapparatus.

The motor 2 and the reducer 3 drive by a pendulous movement a loadingrod 4, 5 which is itself secured at its end to a loading plate 6, 7.

Each loading plate acts, by a loading trigger 8, 9, on an ejection arm18, 19 by compressing the ejection spring 24, 25.

A blockage lug 26, 27 which serves as an ejection trigger is disposed inan electromagnetic housing 28, 29 for commencing firing. Each ejectionarm 18, 19 has an axis of rotation which is coaxial to the axis ofrotation of the loading rod 4, 5. The loading rod 4, 5 is itself securedto the reducer 3.

As can easily be seen in FIG. 1, the motor 2 is disposed verticallywith, in its prolongation to the level of its lower part, the reducer 3.Perpendicularly to the reducer 3 are located, disposed on opposite sidesof each side, a loading rod 4, 5 which emerges from said reducer 3. Theend of each of these loading rods 4, 5 is secured to a loading plate 6,7. Each loading plate 6, 7 is driven with a same pendulous movement.

According to a particular embodiment, this pendulous movement is about180°.

FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 permit comprehension of the coaction whichexists between the loading plate 6, 7, the loading trigger 8, 9 and theloading finger 30 of the ejection arm 18, 19.

FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 show a single side of the target launchingapparatus. Of course, the same elements are to be found on both sides ofthe reducer 3, which is true for each loading rod 4, 5 and each loadingplate 6, 7.

FIG. 4 represents the so-called zero position of the reducer.

The loading plate 7, secured to the axle of the reducer 3, has apendulous movement of 180° in amplitude.

FIG. 5 shows the device after ejection. In broken lines is shown thetrajectory of the loading finger 30 of the ejection arm 18. This FIG. 5shows the coaxial intersection of the axis of the reducer 3 and the axisof the ejection arm (not shown). The loading trigger 9 is pivotallymounted about an axis 31, and is itself provided with a return spring10. It comprises also an abutment 32.

FIG. 6 shows the loading movement effected by the reducer 3 and itsloading rod 5. The trigger 9 presses the loading finger 30 of theejection arm 18.

FIG. 7 shows the extreme position of the pendulous movement of thereducer to the so-called loading position. The loading finger 30 hasthen passed beyond the axis of rotation of the ejection arm 18. Theloading finger 30 is in position ready to eject.

FIG. 8 shows the return to zero position of the reducer with its plate 7and its loading trigger 9. The loading finger of the ejection armremains in position 30 as shown in FIG. 8. The ejection arm 18 is onlymaintained blocked by its blocking finger, its blockage lug 26 whichserves as an ejection trigger. Thanks to the electromagnetic housing 28or 29, the commencement of firing will take place and this independentlyof the pendulous movement of the reducer. As soon as the blockage lug 26is disengaged, the ejection arm will have made a complete turn andejected its target 22.

FIG. 9 shows the ejection phase or firing, the ejection spring 24 or 25effects the rotation of the ejection arm 18 or 19, thereby permittingejection of the target 22 which has first been placed in said ejectionarm 18 or 19. The rotation of the ejection arm takes place of course atthe same time as the movement of the finger. This finger, as shown inFIG. 9 presses the loading trigger 9, thereby permitting the passage ofsaid finger by retraction of said trigger. The trigger will return toits initial position under the effect of its return spring (not shown).

As shown in the figures, it will therefore be understood that with asingle motor and a single reducer, the two loading rods 4 and 5 cancarry out loading of each ejection arm. As to firing the ejection arms,this is carried out independently of said loading, and thus permitsreleasing two targets with all the desired parameters as to the lapse oftime between the two shots.

It is also possible to use said launching apparatus for launching one ata time without right and left operation.

One of the two loading rods 4 or 5 is provided with an eccentric 33which, with a rod or crank device 34, actuates the supply of targets 22by the chutes 20, 21 in the ejection arm.

The supply chutes 20 and 21 for targets 22 open at the level of the endof each ejection arm 18, 19, which end is opposite the axis ofarticulation or axis of rotation of said ejection arms 18, 19. Eachsupply chute 20, 21 is inclined, its lower end comprises an inclinedplane such that the targets 22 can leave said supply chute 20, 21 andcome into place within the profile which serves as the rolling path ofeach ejection arm 18, 19.

REFERENCES

1. Frame

2. Motor

3. Reducer

4, 5. Loading rods

6, 7. Loading plate

8, 9. Loading trigger

10, 11. Return spring

12, 13. Abutment

16, 17. Loading finger

18, 19. Ejection arm

20, 21. Supply chute

22. Targets or "rabbits"

23. Drum

24, 25. Ejection spring

26, 27. Blockage lug

28, 29. Electronic housing to commence firing

30. Loading finger of the ejection arm

31. Axis of the loading trigger

32. Abutment of the loading trigger

33. Eccentric

34. Rod or crank

What is claimed is:
 1. A launching apparatus for launching targets froma drum supplying targets, comprising a motor having a reduceroperatively associated therewith; a loading rod secured to said reducerand to at least one loading plate; said loading rod adapted to be drivenwith a pendulous movement by said reducer; each loading plate acting viaa loading trigger on an ejection arm by compressing an ejection spring;a blockage lug controlled by an electromagnetic unit for releasing orblocking the ejection arm in order to control launching; and saidejection arm having an axis of rotation coaxial with the axis ofrotation of the loading rod.
 2. The launching apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the motor and the reducer are vertically aligned, saidreducer extending in a longitudinal direction and having sidesperpendicular to the longitudinal direction, a loading rod emerging fromeach side of said reducer; and each loading rod being secured to aloading plate driven with the same pendulous movement of about 180°. 3.The launching apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each loading rodis driven with a pendulous movement; each rod being secured at one endto a loading plate; each loading plate including a loading trigger andabutment means for allowing the loading trigger to come into abutmentthereagainst; each loading trigger being provided with a return spring;said loading trigger being pivotally mounted about an axis, and beingstructured and arranged to come into contact with a loading finger of acorresponding ejection arm.
 4. The launching apparatus according toclaim 3, wherein each loading plate acts, via a loading trigger, on anejection arm by compressing the ejection spring.
 5. The launchingapparatus according to claim 3, wherein the blockage lug which functionsas an ejection trigger is disposed in the electromagnetic unit, eachejection arm having its axis of rotation coaxial with the axis ofrotation of a corresponding loading rod; and each loading rod beingsecured to the reducer.
 6. The launching apparatus according to claim 3,wherein each loading trigger is operatively associated with an abutmenton a corresponding loading plate.
 7. The launching apparatus accordingto claim 6, wherein each loading trigger is structured and arranged topress a corresponding loading finger of a respective ejection arm tocause said loading finger to rotate by compressing the ejection springuntil the loading finger has reached a loaded position beyond the axisof rotation of the ejection arm; said blockage lug blocking the ejectionarm in said loaded position, and functioning as an ejection triggerwhereby, as soon as the blockage lug is disengaged, the ejection armcarries out a complete turn and ejects a target.
 8. The launchingapparatus according to claim 7, further comprising means for emplacing atarget from the drum in the ejection arm, and wherein the ejectionspring effects the rotation of the ejection arm thereby allowingejection of the target; the loading finger being structured and arrangedto press the loading trigger thereby permitting passage of said fingerby retraction of said trigger; and said trigger resuming its initialposition under the effect of its return spring.
 9. The launchingapparatus according to claim 2, wherein one of the two loading rods isprovided with an eccentric which, via a crank device, actuates the drumsupplying the targets by two chutes in the ejection arms; each supplychute opening at the level of a first end of a corresponding ejectionarm, said first end being opposite the axis of rotation of saidcorresponding ejection arm; each supply chute being inclined, and havinga lower inclined end such that the targets leave the supply chute andcome into place in a profile which serves as a rolling path for eachejection arm.
 10. The launching apparatus according to claim 1, whereineach loading plate includes a loading trigger mounted on an axis ofarticulation, provided with a return spring, and an abutment driven bythe pendulous movement of the loading rod; the trigger having an endstructured and arranged to press a loading finger of the ejection arm tocause said loading finger to rotate by compressing the ejection springuntil said finger reaches a loaded position following passage beyond theaxis of rotation of the ejection arm; and said blockage lug blocking theejection arm in said loaded position.